Surankote inflammatory speech:An inflammatory and irresponsible speech delivered during a public gathering at the Surankote tehsil headquarters has triggered strong reactions across Poonch district, with religious and social circles terming it a deliberate attempt to provoke communal tension, undermine the sanctity of mosques, and disturb public peace.
POONCH MIRROR NEWS DESK MARCH 4 2026
Poonch / Surankote:An inflammatory and irresponsible speech delivered during a public gathering at the Surankote tehsil headquarters has triggered strong reactions across the district, with religious and social circles terming it a deliberate attempt to provoke communal tension, undermine the sanctity of mosques, and disturb public peace.
Reacting sharply, Maulana Qasim Raza Misbahi, Deputy Imam of the Central Jamia Masjid Poonch, issued a strongly worded statement condemning the use of abusive and threatening language against clerics, mosque leadership, and the institution of congregational prayer. He described the remarks as reckless, dangerous, and wholly unacceptable in a civil and peace-loving society.
Maulana Misbahi stated that openly questioning the legitimacy of mosque imams, inciting people against Friday prayers, and issuing threats to prevent clerics from leading prayers amounted to a direct assault on religious harmony and social stability. He said mosques are symbols of unity, spiritual refuge, and collective discipline, and turning them into arenas of provocation or personal vendetta reflects a deeply troubling mindset.
He further remarked that it was particularly unfortunate that a shutdown call, whose stated purpose was entirely different, was deliberately hijacked by what he termed a “mischievous and divisive individual” and converted into an attack on clerics and religious institutions. According to him, such conduct indicates a calculated attempt to inflame passions, create disorder, and derail the peaceful fabric of the area.
Calling the threats issued during the speech “grave and alarming,” the Deputy Imam demanded that the individual concerned be arrested before Friday, stressing that allowing such statements to go unchecked could lead to serious law-and-order consequences. He said that publicly declaring that clerics would not be allowed to lead prayers posed an immediate risk to peace and could trigger avoidable confrontations.
Maulana Misbahi appealed to the District Administration Poonch to take prompt cognizance of the matter, assess its seriousness, and initiate firm action to prevent any deterioration of the situation. Timely intervention, he said, was essential to reassure the public and uphold communal harmony.
He also urged the general public to remain vigilant against provocative rhetoric, refrain from reacting to rumours or emotionally charged statements, and continue to uphold the dignity of mosques and the spirit of mutual respect. Responsible leadership and swift administrative measures, he added, are crucial to neutralising attempts aimed at destabilising the region’s long-standing atmosphere of peace and coexistence.
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